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Cape Chicken Breyani

Biryani … Breyani – same thing ! In South-Africa we like to spell it Breyani, which is a spicy dish usually made with chicken, but I have seen other meats in local and international recipes as well. I, myself, have always made it with chicken.

Before we go any further, you have to look at the photo and see quartered hard boiled eggs on top … No, don’t see it? … You won’t – I have to apologize here, I made the hard boiled eggs before I even started with the recipe and put it aside, as the quartered eggs are the last to go on top of this dish, just before serving. That is tradition but because of my forgetfulness there are no Eggs!

Cape Chicken Breyani

{source, adapted by me, Springbok Kitchens}

1/2 cup Brown Lentils

4 – 5 Large Chicken Fillets, cut into big chunks

Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper

1 cup Plain Yoghurt

2 t Curry Powder

1/2 t Tumeric

1/2 t Cumin

1/2 t Coriander

2 TB Butter

2 Onions, halved and sliced

2 Cinnamon Sticks

6 Cardamom Pods, husks removed and slightly crushed

1 1/2 cups Basmati Rice

2 cups Chicken Stock

Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

4 Hard Boiled Eggs, quartered

Sliced Banana, optional

Fresh Coriander, for garnishing

1.) Place the Brown Lentils in a pot – cover with water, bring to the boil and simmer for approximately 20 minutes.

3.) Season the Chicken chunks with Salt & Pepper. Mix the Yoghurt, Curry Powder, Turmeric, Cumin and Coriander – sprinkle over the Chicken until it is covered – put aside.

4.) Using a large pan, saute the Onions in the Butter until soft and golden – add the Cinnamon and Cardamom – sizzle for 15 – 20 seconds – add the Rice and boiled Brown Lentils – stir and then add the Chicken Stock – season {if necessary} with Salt & Pepper.

5.) Transfer to the prepared oven dish and gently place the spiced Chicken chunks in the mixture – cover and bake for 45 – 50 minutes or until the Chicken is cooked through and the Rice has absorbed all the liquid.

Garnish with Coriander Leaves and serve with quartered Eggs and sliced Banana.

PLEASE do not forget the Eggs ! It really makes a difference … {I can still kick myself – but I will blame this blunder, yet again, on old age ! }

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Linda lives in Johannesburg, South-Africa with her husband Roy. She has two kids, both in their mid twenties. With A Blast was founded by Linda in 2012 which is a food blog focused on quick and easy recipes,.... Read More…

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